The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has strongly refuted claims that its ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is motivated by personal vendetta, labeling such allegations as baseless and detrimental to Ghana's anti-corruption efforts. This public declaration, issued on Sunday, June 22, 2025, directly addressed comments made by Prof Ransford Gyampo, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, who had reportedly suggested a personal bias behind the Ofori-Atta probe.

Prof. Gyampo's remarks, made during a TV3 appearance on June 21, 2025, where he expressed hope that the OSP's actions were driven by patriotism and not personal animus, drew the OSP's swift condemnation. The OSP clarified that its actions regarding the former Finance Minister are strictly based on “stated allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences, particularly abuse of office for profit,” specifically linked to a multi-year contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), which is currently under intense scrutiny.

A significant point of contention arose when the OSP disclosed that Prof. Gyampo had contacted its office while officers, alongside National Security personnel, were conducting a legal search at SML's premises. The OSP implied this contact could be construed as interference, warning public officials to refrain from such actions, whether directly or through unfounded public statements, as they could undermine public confidence and anti-corruption initiatives.

However, Prof. Gyampo has vehemently denied attempting to interfere with the OSP's work. He clarified on Monday, June 23, 2025, that he never called the OSP’s office but rather contacted the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, directly via text messages. He explained that his communication was not an attempt to obstruct the investigation but a caution against potential financial loss to the state. “I texted you just to caution you not to cause financial loss to the state even as you go about your investigations, which I fully favor,” Gyampo stated. He added that he only expressed hope that Agyebeng’s intentions were patriotic, given what he had heard from across the political divide.

The public back-and-forth has ignited widespread criticism of Prof. Gyampo from netizens. Notably, Oliver Barker-Vormawor argued that as a public officer, Gyampo lacked the mandate to interfere in the OSP’s duties, stressing that only the Attorney General has the authority to express concerns regarding potential financial loss to the state. Other critics questioned his capacity to issue such cautions, some even suggesting a possible conflict of interest due to his past staunch defense of SML. However, some individuals defended Gyampo, criticizing the OSP for publicly disclosing his interaction with the office, arguing there was nothing improper about his decision to express concerns.

The OSP has consistently reiterated its commitment to upholding due process and operating strictly within the confines of the law in the Ofori-Atta case, which continues to generate significant public interest. Prof. Gyampo has indicated his intention to circulate the WhatsApp messages exchanged with the Special Prosecutor to provide further clarity on the nature of their communication.